Effects of inoculating autochthonous starter cultures on biogenic amines accumulation of Chinese traditional fermented fish

Abstract

The effects of three autochthonous starter cultures (Lactobacillus plantarum 120, Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2018 and Staphylococcus xylosus 135) on biogenic amines (BAs) accumulation in Chinese traditional fermented freshwater fish products (CTFPs) were studied. Some quality parameters of CTFPs, namely microbiological characteristics, α-amino nitrogen, trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides, protease activity, and free amino acids (FFAs) were also detected. No histamine accumulation was observed in each fermentation group. Putrescine and tyramine were the dominating BAs in CTFPs. Putrescine accumulation was significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed by inoculated with L. plantarum 120 and S. xylosus 135, and lowest tyramine content (363.15 mg/kg) was observed in sample inoculated with mixed starter cultures. Low levels of cadaverine (8.22–20.03 mg/kg), spermidine (6.60–8.11 mg/kg) and spermine (7.94–9.62 mg/kg) were observed in all groups at the end of the fermentation. Additionally, total BAs contents showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation with protease activities and α-amino nitrogen contents. Practical applications The present study demonstrated the changes in some quality parameters and BAs contents of CTFPs influenced by different starter cultures. Results showed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast were gradually increased, severe hydrolysis of proteins was occurred during CTFPs fermentation process, histamine accumulation was inhibited completely in all fermentation groups, putrescine was significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed by inoculated with L. plantarum 120 and S. xylosus 135, and significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of tyramine was observed in sample inoculated with mixed starter culture. To date, CTFPs were usually produced by spontaneous fermentation, and the quality was unsteady. Therefore, to improve the quality and avoid the unacceptable levels of BAs accumulation, inoculation of proper autochthonous starter cultures is advisable.